The original pattern, available here, is a traditional pattern, written in multiple sizes, with a fixed gauge. To make the traditional pattern fit you well, modifications are likely required. (My book, Knit to Flatter, has guidance on selecting a size and performing the modification math, as does my website.)

The CustomFit version of Sebasco will give you a sweater that looks exactly like the original sweater, but all of the pattern numbers have been created exclusively to match your gauge, your body measurements, and your length/sleeve preferences. For the fully customizable version of Sebasco, go HERE. (Note, CustomFit requires free log in account.)

Tech editor: Elizabeth Sullivan Photographer: Caro Benna Sheridan

The Sebasco Vest is an elegant transitional piece that takes the chill out of overly air-conditioned offices and cool evening breezes. It is knit in pieces from the bottom up, with a collar worked sideways that can be worn open, closed, or even belted, as desired. The textured trimming stitch of this vest should be worked on larger needles to ensure an even size.

A note on sizing: The back measurement of this pattern is slightly smaller than you’d expect given the finished bust size; the front measures more than the back due to the stitch panels. Please check the schematic before selecting a final size!

As with many of my designs, vertical darts for waist shaping keep things trim and flattering and allow for extremely flexible shaping, customized to fit your body. Should you desire less waist shaping than specified, you can omit or decrease the shaping rows entirely on the front of the tank. Bustier women can accommodate their needs by performing more increases on the front of the sweater, and not in the back. These extra stitches can be decreased into the neck edge of the vest.

The balance achieved by the collar and hem make Sebasco very balanced and hence nice for proportional figures, but I think this vest would shine on nearly anyone. Top-heavy knitters will be extremely flattered by the wide and open collar–it slims the torso and reduces the bulk of a large bust. Top-heavy knitters with fabulous legs might consider lengthening it to mid-thigh and wearing it with a great skirt. Bottom-heavy knitters probably want to shorten the vest so that the band of Daisy Stitch at the hem doesn’t fall at their widest part.

As with all sweaters, carefully examine the pattern schematic to note potential modifications before you knit.

Berroco’s Ultra Alpaca works up to a wonderfully lofty fabric at this gauge. The heathered colors that Berroco offers look fantastic and the alpaca’s drape is just right for the vest’s style. Should you desire to substitute yarn, please choose something that will work up as an airy fabric that will keep its shape. The vest will require approximately 500 (556, 581, 637, 674, 719, 744, 866, 933, 1014) yds/457 (510, 532, 583, 617, 659, 682, 793, 854, 929) m for an alternate yarn.

Note: The original version of this pattern had an error in the finishing instructions. The stitches should be picked up with the RS facing, rather than the WS facing. What a typo--sorry about that! Please download the latest version before casting on.